The trend sees big companies such as CVS Health, State Street, and American Express evolving small hiring programs for opportunity youth, driven by corporate social responsibility, into core business strategy . The strategy offers them a rare trifecta: It’s good for the company, youth, and society.

Ethan, Prisma and Fabiana walked away from the Opportunity Youth Fair and Forum in Phoenix last fall with job offers from Starbucks. After a year on the job, the three young adults say they’ve received something even more vital and far-reaching: opportunities.

The business case for hiring opportunity youth is compelling, with retention differences ranging from 20-plus percent to three times higher in the companies we studied. Retention alone provides a significant ROI.

FSG, a nonprofit, mission-driven consulting firm, recently conducted a short research scan of employer practices that lead to improved retention of entry-level employees, particularly opportunity youth. This research sought to…